Ferneyhough, Brian. (b. 1943). "2nd String Quartet" - Autograph musical quotation signed.
AMQS on a card by the British composer residing in the U.S. since 1987, who has penned the fantastically demanding first violin part of 2nd String Quartet, mm. 1–3." One hand-drawn staff. Inscription, "Greetings – Brian Ferneyhough." No date. 4 x 6 inches (10.2 x 15.3 cm). In excellent condition.
The quote captures the characteristic for which Ferneyhough's music is famous (or, to others, notorious)—its extreme complexity, which translates into technical difficulty in performance. "There are no easy Ferneyhough pieces, nor even moderately difficult ones. However, the typically dense and intricate textures of his music – which have led some commentators to categorize it as ‘maximalist’ or ‘complexist’ – do not arise from a fascination with virtuosity per se, but reflects the transcendentalist concerns which have always been a central factor in his work." Richard Toop in Grove Music Online
Ferneyhough, Brian. (b. 1943). "2nd String Quartet" - Autograph musical quotation signed.
AMQS on a card by the British composer residing in the U.S. since 1987, who has penned the fantastically demanding first violin part of 2nd String Quartet, mm. 1–3." One hand-drawn staff. Inscription, "Greetings – Brian Ferneyhough." No date. 4 x 6 inches (10.2 x 15.3 cm). In excellent condition.
The quote captures the characteristic for which Ferneyhough's music is famous (or, to others, notorious)—its extreme complexity, which translates into technical difficulty in performance. "There are no easy Ferneyhough pieces, nor even moderately difficult ones. However, the typically dense and intricate textures of his music – which have led some commentators to categorize it as ‘maximalist’ or ‘complexist’ – do not arise from a fascination with virtuosity per se, but reflects the transcendentalist concerns which have always been a central factor in his work." Richard Toop in Grove Music Online